This will be our 3rd trip along the creek in as many years. Our 1st one even made the Geocaching website's blog! https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2019/03/ten-off-the-beaten-path-ways-to-cito/ (we're the 8th one listed)
Taylor Creek, through Okeechobee, is a beautiful little waterway enjoyed by many boaters, kayakers, fisherman, and others. It is truely one of the gems of out little town. Unfortunately, like most places these days, it has also become a place for trash and debris to gather, which could harm fish and wildlife. Nobody wants that, so we are gathering to do what we can to help clean up a small section of it.
We will meet at 8:00 AM at the posted coordinates. This will be at the north parking/starting area. I will be leaving my vehicle at the south parking/ending area to help shuttle people back to the starting point. Others may do the same if you show up early enough. The whole paddle should take between 3 - 4 hours from start to finish. Our aim is to launch as close to 8:30 as possible, so we can be finished in time for a nice lunch.
I will have a canoe (maybe two) to toss the garbage we collect into, that we can tow behind our yaks. I will also have extra kayaks available for cachers who may need to borrow. These are limited, so you need to let me know, the sooner, the better.
THIS CITO WILL BE ON THE WATER, SO WATERCRAFT IS NEEDED. Also, this is a large fresh water body of water, so wildlife will be present. This includes harmless wildlife like ospreys, blue herons, hawks, egrets, otters, manatees, turtles, and fish, but you may also see some of the more dangerous snakes and alligators as well, so be aware. We had a pod of manatees swim along side us at the ending of our first kayak CITO, almost as if they were thanking us for the clean up.
Even though we will be kayaking in cooler, fall weather, you will still want to bring sunscreen, bug repelent, and plenty of water to drink. This is still South Florida after all. Snacks might also be a good idea.
So, please log your will attends, and get prepared for a fun time, doing our part, helping to clean up a small section of this beautiful planet.
This is an outdoor activity, and Okeechobee County is in Stage 3 of the reopening, which means no limits on outdoor gatherings, although social distancing of 6 feet apart is still recommended. That should be easy enough to accomplish while on the creek!